Photographs: Rebecca Cook/Reuters
Detroit, the largest city in US state Michigan, was once the automobile centre of the world. It had all the major American car manufacturers and its population was over a million.
But things have gone downhill in the past few decades. The city lost 25 per cent of its population in the first decade of the 21st century, falling to only 713,777 people, according to Business Insider.
Let's take a look at Detroit in its glory days.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
These boats are participating in the Detroit Boat Club yacht regatta as they turn towards the next portion of the race.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
A majestic look at the Hotel Pontchartrain with a glorious view of a set of trolley cars and a lush green park.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
The canal at Belle Isle Park was made for a romantic boat ride. Here in 1907, a band plays on the bridge above the canal while people watch in the boats and on the banks of the water.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
One of the top culture destinations in old time Detroit, the Detroit Opera House is still operating today.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
Children frolic and play around at Belle Isle Park in 1905. The women are wearing fine dresses as they push fancy looking carriages.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
Another major attraction in the city was the museum of art, which opened in 1888.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
The wharf was already bustling in 1901 when steam ships Tashmoo and Idlewild came in as spectators look at these massive steam machines.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
Right in the heart of the city on Woodward, First Presbyterian Church was built in 1889 and is now a Michigan State Historic Site.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
Detroit's winters are harsh, but this scenery is picturesque and delightful.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
As nasty as it could get in winter, this scene from Water Works Park shows how gorgeous Detroit can be when the weather gets nice.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
In the middle of the busy corporate world in Detroit, there was this oasis in the middle of town where anyone can relax and enjoy.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
Post offices are being shut down now, but in the early 1900s, they were the bustling hearts of many towns. Check out the stunning architectural design.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
A nice view of the Detroit River awaits you from Owen Park. This shot was taken in 1908.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
A stunning shot of downtown Detroit, including Hotel Pontchartrain and Campus Martius.
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Once a bustling city, Detroit is now a ghost town
Photographs: Detroit Publishing Co/Library of Congress
A street view of Woodward Avenue shows a slew of stores and scores of people out on the streets going about their daily activities.
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